Every browser on a Mac blocks pop-up windows by default, which is usually what you want. But some sites need them for sign-in windows, payment pages, bank statements, or downloads. The safest approach is to allow pop-ups only for the specific sites that need them. Here’s how in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Quick answer
In Safari, open Safari > Settings > Websites > Pop-up Windows, find the site in the list, and change it from Block and Notify to Allow. The site needs to be open in a tab to appear in the list.
Allow pop-ups in Safari
- Open the website that needs pop-ups in Safari.
- In the menu bar, choose Safari > Settings (called Preferences on macOS Monterey and earlier).
- Select the Websites tab, then Pop-up Windows in the sidebar.
- Next to the site under Currently Open Websites, choose Allow.
- Close the window and reload the page.
The drop-down at the bottom, When visiting other websites, sets the default for every other site. Leave it on Block and Notify so you can still allow pop-ups when a site needs them.
Safari’s pop-up options
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Block and Notify | The pop-up is blocked, but you can choose to show it by clicking in the Smart Search field (address bar) |
| Block | Pop-ups are blocked silently |
| Allow | Pop-ups open normally |
With Block and Notify, you can click in Safari’s Smart Search field when a pop-up is blocked and choose to show it, without changing any settings. Apple’s guide to allowing or blocking pop-ups in Safari has more detail. If Pop-up Windows isn’t visible in the sidebar, scroll to the bottom of the list.
Allow pop-ups in Google Chrome on Mac
- When Chrome blocks a pop-up, click the blocked pop-up icon at the right end of the address bar.
- Choose Always allow pop-ups and redirects from the site, then Done.
- To manage the list, go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and add the site under Allowed to send pop-ups and use redirects.
Allow pop-ups in Firefox on Mac
- Choose Firefox > Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Scroll to Permissions. Next to Block pop-up windows, select Exceptions.
- Type the site address, choose Allow, and Save Changes.
Allow pop-ups in Microsoft Edge on Mac
Go to Edge > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, then select Add next to Allow and enter the site.
Stay safe with pop-ups
- Allow only sites you trust, such as your bank, school portal, or a payment page you started yourself.
- A pop-up that says your Mac is infected, or asks you to call a support number, is a scam. Close the tab and don’t call.
- If pop-ups appear even with the blocker on, check Safari > Settings > Extensions and remove anything you don’t recognize.
- Remove sites from the Allow list when you no longer need them.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see the website in Safari’s Pop-up Windows list?
Only sites that are open in a tab appear under Currently Open Websites. Open the site first, then return to Settings.
Should I turn off the pop-up blocker completely?
No. Allowing pop-ups for every site exposes you to ads and scams. Allow them per site instead.
How do I allow pop-ups on my iPhone?
The steps are different on iOS. See allowing pop-ups on iPhone.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.